European Alder
Alnus glutinosa
European Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun.
medium to high water40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: AnRo0002
- Photo 2: "Alnus glutinosa Bialowieza 002" by Agnieszka Kwiecień (Nova) is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 3: (c) guywallbanks, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: "Alnus glutinosa" by Bruce Marlin is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton
- Photo 6: "Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) twig and bud" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Alder good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Alder is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is European Alder only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does European Alder get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–40 ft wide.
- How much room does European Alder need?
- Give European Alder about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Alder grow into?
- European Alder typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European Alder hardy on the Front Range?
- European Alder is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does European Alder need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does European Alder grow?
- European Alder is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Alder live?
- European Alder has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is European Alder native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
